The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be played under a stricter set of football laws after the International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved major rule changes aimed at reducing time-wasting, improving discipline and strengthening the role of Video Assistant Referees (VAR).
The new regulations, which will be in force for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, introduce tougher penalties for delaying restarts and expand the situations in which VAR can intervene.
One of the most notable changes targets goalkeepers who hold on to the ball for too long. Under the revised laws, referees will use a visible eight-second countdown, and any goalkeeper who exceeds the limit will concede a corner kick to the opposing team.
The amendment replaces the long-standing six-second rule, which resulted in an indirect free kick but was rarely enforced consistently. FIFA says trials of the new approach produced positive results and helped discourage unnecessary delays.
Teams will also face stricter punishment for delaying throw-ins and goal kicks. Referees will apply a five-second countdown for throw-ins, and failure to restart play within that period will result in possession being handed to the opposition.
For goal kicks, a team that ignores the referee’s countdown and continues to delay the restart will concede a corner kick, giving opponents an immediate attacking opportunity.
The changes are designed to keep matches flowing and limit tactics often used to disrupt momentum, protect narrow leads or slow down opponents during periods of pressure.
VAR’s role has also been expanded. Video officials will now be permitted to intervene when a player receives a red card as a result of a clearly incorrect second yellow card, as well as in cases where the referee mistakenly cautions or sends off the wrong player.
In addition, competitions may choose to allow VAR reviews for clearly incorrect corner-kick decisions, provided the mistake can be corrected immediately without delaying the restart. Once a corner kick has been taken, however, the decision cannot be overturned.
IFAB has also strengthened rules surrounding injury stoppages. Players who receive treatment on the field after play is stopped will generally be required to leave the pitch and wait at least one minute after play resumes before returning. Exceptions will apply in situations involving goalkeepers and serious injuries.
The measure is intended to discourage players from using injury stoppages as a tactical tool to slow down matches or break an opponent’s rhythm.
Meanwhile, IFAB continues to support the “only the captain” approach, which limits discussions with referees in key situations to team captains. The initiative aims to reduce dissent, improve communication and prevent officials from being surrounded by players after controversial decisions.
The effectiveness of the new laws will come under close scrutiny during the 2026 World Cup, where the intensity of the competition, long travel schedules and challenging conditions are expected to test referees’ consistency.
For players and coaches, the message is unmistakable: time-wasting, dissent and delayed restarts will now carry greater consequences. For referees, the challenge will be ensuring the new rules are applied fairly and consistently from the opening match to the World Cup final.
